The Durban Art Deco Society held its 26^th AGM at the Phansi Museum on Sunday 16 November , 2025. The meeting was attended by 22 members and friends,  and included a talk by Architect Frank Reitz on the development of Modernist Architecture in South Africa, and in particular its influence in Durban.

Chairperson's Report for the period November 2024 to October 2025

Chairperson Nathan Francis delivered the following report:

1. Introduction

The Durban Art Deco Society (DADS) is pleased to present its Annual Report for the period 2024–2025. This year has been marked by significant recognition, active public engagement, the strengthening of local and international networks, and continued advocacy for the appreciation and preservation of Durban’s Art Deco and Architectural Heritage. The Society remains committed to promoting awareness, fostering conservation efforts, and supporting research on Durban’s unique architectural legacy.

2. Honours and Recognition

2.1 Peter Louis Award – November 2024

The Society was deeply honoured to receive the prestigious Peter Louis Award in early November 2024. The purpose of the award is to “reward those who have made a significant contribution to the preservation of our common heritage of the built environment”.

The award ceremony was held at the premises of the South African Institute of Architects – KwaZulu-Natal (SAIA-KZN) on Bulwer Road, where a formal scroll was presented to DADS. This accolade holds particular significance, echoing the 2004 recognition awarded to founder members Jean Powell and Helen Labuschagne. The 2024 scroll stands as a tribute to the collective efforts of all past and present members whose contributions have shaped the Society into what it is today.

3. Annual General Meeting of 24 November 2024

The guest speaker for the AGM was Mr. Arthur Gammage, an expert with an extensive background in urban development, architectural history and the evolution of Durban’s built fabric. His presentation, titled “Modern Movement Buildings in Durban”, provided an insightful exploration of the connections between Art Deco, the International Style, and the broader Modern Movement.

While Art Deco influences appear across a wide range of industrial, commercial and residential structures, Arthur clarified that many such buildings incorporate elements that align more closely with emerging modern architectural trends of their time. His contribution greatly enriched the Society’s understanding of the stylistic interplay between these architectural movements.

4. Public Enquiries and Media Engagement

The Society continues to receive communication through its website, Facebook page and LinkedIn profile. Our Facebook platform, in particular, has grown substantially and now attracts followers from Art Deco societies and enthusiasts across the globe. During the year, several notable enquiries and engagements were received:

4.1 Research Enquiry: Brook Street Cemetery Tombstone

A researcher participating in an essay competition hosted by the Church Monuments Society requested information on an Art Deco–styled tombstone located in Brook Street Cemetery. The Society provided guidance regarding the ornamental design characteristics of the monument.

4.2 Media Request: Hijacked Buildings in Durban

In January 2025, East Coast Radio journalist Lauren Hendricks contacted the Society. She spoke with committee member Mike Mulholland, who provided commentary specifically relating to Art Deco buildings affected by hijacking in the city.

4.3 Public Talk: Probus Club, Ballito

On 17 February 2025, Carol Allan delivered a talk on Art Deco architecture to the Ballito branch of Probus. A photographic presentation prepared by Mike Mulholland accompanied the talk, illustrating key Durban buildings and highlighting signature features.

4.4 Enquiry: Demolition of Woodley House

On 28 May 2025 the Society received correspondence regarding the demolition of Woodley House, located at 652 Musgrave Road, Morningside. The matter raised concerns about ongoing threats to the city’s architectural heritage.

5. Events and Outreach

5.1 Durban City Centre Walk – 20 July 2025

A guided city walk took place on Sunday, 20 July 2025, attended by fifteen members and friends of the Society. Conservation architect Kirk White led the tour, offering expert commentary on the rich diversity of architectural styles in the inner city.

Key buildings discussed included:

·                  Devonshire Place

·                  Quadrant House

·                  Ansteys Building

·                  Colonial Mutual Building

·                  Greenacres

Kirk also discussed the Nedbank Building, designed by Norman Eaton, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s foremost 20th-century architects. This building forms a highlight of Frank Reitz’ presentation at today’s gathering.

6. Heritage Month Activities

6.1 Merit Award – September 2025

As part of Heritage Month, the Society once again reviewed buildings that had undergone notable maintenance or conservation efforts over the past year. In 2025, the Merit Award was presented to the trustees of Janora Court, situated at 190 Ninth Avenue on the corner of Florida Road. Their commitment to the building’s preservation serves as a commendable example of responsible custodianship within the Art Deco heritage landscape.

7. International Engagement

7.1 Visit from a Member of  International Coalition of Art Deco Societies

The Society was delighted to host Rodrigo Lima, a member of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies and an art gallery owner based in Goiânia, Brazil. Rodrigo—who also maintains connections with Art Deco communities in Miami and Australia—enquired about a guided tour of Durban’s Art Deco architecture.

On 25 August 2025, Carol Allan conducted a courtesy “whistle-stop” tour for Rodrigo and his cousin through prominent city and Berea landmarks. Rodrigo expressed his appreciation by purchasing copies of the Society’s publication, thereby supporting DADS’ ongoing initiatives.

8. Publications and Exhibitions

8.1 SAIA-KZN Digital Catalogue 2022

A digital catalogue of the SAIA-KZN 2022 Members’ Exhibition on conservation-worthy architecture was finalised, printed and made available for sale. The exhibition featured the Berea Court poster, showcasing one of Durban’s most significant Art Deco buildings.

8.2 Feature Article: Your Luxury Africa

Writer Petra Mason requested expert commentary for her piece “Art Deco at 100: A Century of Style and Influence”, published on 11 April 2025. Durban’s Art Deco buildings featured prominently in the article, with Mike Mulholland supplying specialised input on local landmarks.

9. Heritage Events

Annual General Meeting and Symposium of the Heritage Association of South Africa (HASA) was held at the Middelburg Country Club from 14^th – 16^th October 2025. This was attended by Carol Allan.  Donald Davies who is a committee member of HASA, attended the Annual General Meeting virtually.

10. Conclusion

The 2024–2025 period has been a year of meaningful celebration, recognition and active engagement for the Durban Art Deco Society. From receiving the esteemed Peter Louis Award to strengthening public and international outreach, the Society continues to champion the preservation and appreciation of Durban’s Art Deco and Modern Movement heritage.

DADS has been very fortunate over the years to have the support of Paul Mikula and the Phansi Museum. Hosting the DADS Annual General Meeting in this special venue is a privilege which we greatly appreciate.

It is also the time for me to acknowledge the commitment of the Committee in arranging Outings, distribution of the DADS Book, awarding of the DADS Merit Awards, administrating the DADS Website / Facebook Group, attending the online Deco Dialogues with the ICADS SUB Committee, and arranging the DADS AGM:

Michael Mulholland, Carol Allan, Boaz Chaves, Alison Chadwick, Franco Frescura and Donald Davies.

We are also mindful of the support and input of Architects and Artists supporting DADS Society. We appreciate our association with AMAFA, … the provincial Authority in KwaZulu-Natal, … for requesting our opinion on alterations to Durban Art Deco Style Buildings.

We extend our gratitude to all members, volunteers, donors, supporters and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s activities. Together, we look forward to another year of safeguarding the architectural stories that define Durban’s unique cultural identity.

ILLUSTRATED TALK BY ARCHITECT FRANK REITZ AT THE 2025 AGM: 

“MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE IN DURBAN”

After graduating in Architecture at the University of Natal in 1989, Frank started his own practice, and he has since worked in association with a number of local architectural practices, as well as spending 11 years in the eThekwini Municipality. Voluntary work includes the SAIA-KZN Heritage committee, National Monuments, AMAFA and the metro elevation control committee. Currently and previously he has lectured in the UKZN School of Architecture.

In Durban the general public were recently awakened with a sudden awareness of the idea of “Modernist Architecture” over the contested proposal to demolish the old Ocean Terminal on the “T” jetty. How is this genre defined exactly?  Well, by the end of Frank’s talk we all had a pretty good idea what this was about. Not only could we recognise the combination of features involved, but we had an appreciation of the style’s international heritage, plus important South African architects who have contributed to the movement.

In his presentation Frank focused on four Durban buildings: